Labour MP jokes Brexit minister sent out to answer questions ‘on very thin ice with sticky wicket’

Raucous laughter rang through the Commons after a Labour MP said a Brexit minister had been sent out to answer questions on “very thin ice and it’s a very sticky wicket.”

Labour MP Chris Bryant apologised for his mixed metaphors when he said Kwasi Kwarteng was in a difficult position as he addressed the chamber.

As Mr Kwarteng answered urgent questions on the Article 50 delay, Mr Bryant said: “I can detect from the smile on the minister’s own face when he answers some of these questions that he knows perfectly well that he’s been sent out on some very thin ice and it’s a very sticky wicket, if you don’t mind me mixing my metaphors.”

To this, MPs broke into hysterics, while Mr Kwarteng himself was even seen chortling at the comment.

A politician then shouted “ice cricket”, before Mr Bryant said it was pointless Mr Kwarteng answering a lot of questions, due to the Prime Minister not even knowing the answers.

After this he asked if Parliament would be sitting next Friday and the week beginning April 8.

Mr Kwarteng, who is parliamentary under-secretary of state for leaving the European Union, said it was a matter for the House to decide in “terms of procedure”.

In one of his more enlightening answers, Mr Kwarteng said the Government will allow free votes in any indicative votes.

He said: “If the House is being asked to decide a way forward, it would be surprising if those votes were not free votes.”

The minister was frequently critiqued for his performance which was called “shambolic”.

Andy Slaughter of Labour even said he might ask what Mr Kwarteng had for breakfast as it was a question he might be able to answer.  

Mr Kwarteng reiterated the Government’s stance to want a third meaningful vote and its desire to have the Withdrawal Agreement put through Parliament.